Imagine tuning into a radio show that feels like a heartfelt conversation with close friends. That’s “The Dana Cortez Show.” It’s not about celebrity gossip or flashy headlines. Instead, it’s about life. The messy, beautiful, complicated stuff: love, marriage, kids, the daily struggles and triumphs.
Or as Cortez describes it, “It’s a show about life, marriage, love, everyday problems, relationships and highs and lows. That’s the only way to describe it, really.”
Based in Houston, the show is heard across the country. Cortez takes pride in her ability to open up about her personal experiences. From the challenges of marriage to parenting to her husband’s quirks, it creates an authentic connection.
Real Talk: Life Behind the Mic
Cortez works alongside her husband, DJ Automatic, and longtime friend Anthony A. They bring their lives to work.
“We’re very forthcoming and honest about everything in our lives, the good, the bad, and everything in between. We want to be as authentic as we can.”
She doesn’t shy away from the quirks and imperfections that make their relationship relatable.
“It’s okay that people know he can’t drive without me. I don’t know how he’s made it in the world without me in that car because he doesn’t know how to drive. It’s horrible. It’s okay that people know he can’t make his clothes into the hamper. For some reason, they just sit next to the hamper. They never actually make it inside.”
But beyond the quirks, there’s genuine friendship and love.
“He’s my best friend. I support his DJ career, and even when he’s gone for a week to DJ with the NBA in China, I won’t even mind.”
Their openness about the highs and lows invites listeners into a space where imperfection is embraced.
“There are days we definitely love each other, but might not like each other. And that’s okay.”
Authenticity and Storytelling: The Heart of the Show
I mentioned the word authenticity, but for Cortez, it’s more than a buzzword.
“The word is being used often. You want to be authentic, but are you willing to share those things that might be embarrassing? Are you willing to share those moments where maybe things didn’t go right?”
The show also brings vulnerability. Growing up with humble beginnings, she initially struggled to share her successes.
“I used to have a hard time sharing my success because I thought, does this sound like bragging? Is this terrible? Does this sound like I’m out of touch?”
However, the show taught her that sharing all aspects of life, including wins and losses, helps listeners feel connected, supported, and part of a community.
“We have people who have been listening for 20 years and gone through this with us, and new listeners now in Houston, too. People want to share their wins. They want you to win. It’s like friendship, they’re my friends. I have a lot of real friends, and my listeners are my friends.”
Breaking Barriers: A Latina Voice in Morning Radio
In an industry where female leads in nationally syndicated morning shows are rare, especially among Latina women, Cortez’s presence is groundbreaking. She was initially reluctant to take on the morning show role.
“I was forced onto the mic as a morning lead by John Candelaria. I didn’t want to do it because every woman I looked up to in the industry was doing middays. I didn’t really understand why.”
“Had I known how big a deal it was, I might not have done it. But he had the vision, and I lacked it. Now I fight hard for talented people to get the shot. Not just because they’re women, but because there’s not enough opportunity.”
Dana feels the pressure of constantly having to prove herself, not just as a radio host, but as a woman and a Latina.
“I know I’m doing this job because I’m good. The fact we have to have these conversations about DEI angers me because I’ve worked my ass off to get here. Nobody gives you anything. If you’re not making a company money, you’re out.”
She points to the media landscape’s underrepresentation of Latinos.
“We consume about 30% of audio and video content but make up only one and a half percent of those seen and heard.”
When a Latina woman like Cortez steps up and simply talks about everyday life — being a mom, a wife, smart and funny it challenges stereotypes.
“I am your audience.”
Interviewing with Heart: Beyond the Headlines
Cortez’s knack for connecting doesn’t stop with her on-air family. Her celebrity interviews go beyond the usual canned questions.
“I want to talk to people I admire about their lives. When I spoke with Nicki Minaj, we were supposed to chat for five minutes, but ended up talking for nearly an hour about motherhood. She wanted to talk to me. I wanted to know about being a mom.”
Likewise, Cortez covered the Canelo Alvarez boxing fight not by reciting stats but by focusing on fatherhood.
“I saw a video of his son crying in the ring, and Canelo told him, ‘Real men cry, too.’ That’s what I talked about with him.”
Her interviews with Beyoncé, John Leguizamo, Jack Harlow, and others always circle back to what Dana cares most about.
“Family, loved ones, husbands, wives, children. That’s where I go naturally.”
Local Roots in a Syndicated World
The show is broadcast live and local in Houston, and that led to a recent pivot when the area experienced unprecedented flooding and loss of life.
“We were 100% on the floods in Kerrville. I approached it as a mother. Sending your child to camp and not being able to pick them up. Being angry at those who failed parents and kids. Generations have gone to that camp. It’s over 100 years old. Local officials failed to get warnings out in time, and people were angry.”
A Heart for Kids and Community Causes
Cortez and the show champion causes close to her heart, especially those supporting children and education.
“I’m very kids-focused,” she says. “St. Jude, DePelchin Children’s Center, CASA. We want to be the show that kids and teachers know cares about them.”
She has a deep connection with children in challenging circumstances.
“I was a Title One kid. Automatic was a Title One kid. I didn’t have a lot, but I always had books, and that changed my life.”
“Reading every day changed my trajectory. I don’t have a formal education, but those books took me places I could only imagine.”
Investing in Radio’s Future
As we concluded, Cortez made a passionate plea to the radio industry.
“Talk to the people in your building. You probably have a superstar right under your nose. Bring young people in to train on the board. I know there are very few promo techs, but they want to work. They’re not just setting up tents and sweating because they like it; they want a break.”
“If you don’t pay attention, you’re killing the industry. We will be the Oldsmobile of the audio space.”
Stream “The Dana Cortez Show” here.
The show is syndicated by Skyview Networks.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
Jeff Lynn serves as Editor of Barrett Media’s Music Radio coverage. Prior to joining Barrett Media, Jeff spent time programming in Milwaukee, Omaha, Cleveland, Des Moines, and Madison for multiple radio groups, including iHeartMedia, Townsquare Media, NRG Media, and Entercom (now Audacy). He also worked as a Country Format Editor for All Access until the outlet shut down in August 2023.
To get in touch with Jeff by email, reach him at Jeff@BarrettMedia.com.
